Pinault Joins Dorchester Boycott

FRANCOIS-HENRI PINAULT has lent his support to the boycott of Dorchester Collection hotels. The Kering chairman is joining a growing group of fashion industry names - including Brian Atwood, Peter Som and Decades owner Cameron Silver - who have criticised the decision of the hotels' owner, the Sultan of Brunei, to introduce sharia law in the southeast Asian state.

"As president of Kering Foundation, which combats violence against women, I firmly condemn the Sultan of Brunei's decision and join the boycott of his hotel properties," Pinault stated on the Kering Foundation's Twitter account. And he's not the only one.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The house of Yves Saint Laurent, jointly with its creative director, Hedi Slimane, cannot tolerate such repressive and anti-egalitarian laws, affecting basic human rights, as the Sharia Law just implemented by the Sultan of Brunei," a statement released on social media by Saint Laurent said. "For this reason, no employees of the house will stay in any Dorchester Collection properties until the Sultan of Brunei repels such laws and positions, which have no place in a civilised society."

The strict new penal code will see death by stoning for homosexuality and adultery, and dismemberments as punishment for theft introduced in the country - although the hotel group's CEO was keen to distance the properties themselves from the owner's beliefs.

ADVERTISEMENT

"While we recognise people's concerns, we believe this boycott should not be directed to our hotels and dedicated employees," Christopher Cowdray told WWD. "The economic impact of this not only affects our loyal team members but extends to the local community, our valued partners and suppliers. Today's global economy needs to be placed in a broader perspective. Most of us are not aware of the investors behind the brands that have become an integral part of our everyday life, from the gas we put in our cars, to the clothes we wear, to the way we use social media and to the hotels we frequent."

This week alone, the company - which includes Le Meurice and Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, Hotel Eden in Rome, Le Richmond in Geneva, the Dorchester and 45 Park Lane in London, Coworth Park in Ascot, and the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air in LA - has reportedly lost $2 million in revenue, due to 20 cancelled events.